Debate Ideas, Not People: Denise Gitsham | Episode 297

·17 min·1 clip

A Republican TV commentator explains why she now risks her job to prioritize God's truth over her party's agenda.

The episode opens with host Gabe Lyons setting the context of the upcoming election and the need for elevated, civil debate. He introduces guest Denise Gitsham, a media personality who has worked in political commentary. The episode features a pre-recorded talk by Gitsham. She begins by playing a clip of hostile political rhetoric to illustrate the problem. Gitsham then shares her personal journey, revealing she was a 'die-hard politico' for 25 years who compartmentalized her faith from her political work. Her 2016 congressional candidacy forced her to publicly commit to civility, which proved difficult. This led her to write a book and develop four key lessons. Lesson one is to prioritize kingdom principles over partisan agendas, even as a paid party commentator. Lesson two is to 'speak the truth in love,' referencing Apostle Paul and Theodore Roosevelt. Lesson three frames political struggle as spiritual warfare against Satan, not against people, citing Ephesians 6:12. Lesson four advocates pursuing unity, not conformity, among believers, referencing John 17:21. Gitsham provides a concrete example: after a heated on-air exchange, she was prompted to have dinner with her opponent, Amisha. They built a friendship, understanding each other's backgrounds without changing their political stances. She argues this approach sees people as children of God, not political labels. Gitsham concludes that Christian unity is America's best hope against division, warning against winning elections but losing the country's soul. Host Gabe Lyons returns, encouraging listeners to be curious and humble, and to host THINQ Local events to facilitate such conversations. He mentions other speakers for the event, like Os Guinness and William B. Allen, who will discuss threats to democracy and hopefulness.

As heard by us

A Republican commentator weighs partisan pressure against Christian political character.

Denise Gitchum frames political life around a hard question for Christians: what does their conduct on the campaign trail suggest about Jesus?

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Why you'd press play

You get four Christian lessons for moving through election noise with your loyalties, words, and disagreements under closer inspection.

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